Police are investigating after 20 to 30 llamas were reported stolen Monday from a property near Perris.
Deputies with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department were called about 6:30 am to the 14-acre property at Orange Avenue and Murrieta Road in a county area near Perris after llamas and emus were seen walking along Orange Avenue, according to the Press Enterprise.
The exotic animal property has been a recent target on social media, with some calling for a “mass rescue” due to unfounded claims of animal cruelty.
The animals spotted were corralled by officials and returned to the property, but it was determined by Sheriff’s deputies that 20-30 llamas were trucked away from the property, reports KESQ.
“During the investigation, we learned that a lock on the fence had been cut, which allowed the animals to leave the property. There were also 20-30 llamas stolen from the property,” Deputy Robyn Flores said.
Workers with the county’s department of Animal Services said that they have been to the property “almost every day” for the 10- days since the postings went up on social media.
“It was the rage on social media posts, and caused quite a number of calls to our agency,” spokesman John Welsh said. “It’s not a well-kept property, but we don’t have any evidence of animal abuse or neglect, whatsoever.”
